Symptoms

• Human hair infested with lice can be very itchy. Careful inspection can reveal the white eggs attached to the hair all over the head, but particularly behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Also keep a lookout for lice on hairbrushes, sheets, baby carriers and clothes. They can spread to other members of the house from such objects.
  
  

How They Grow

• Female lice lay eggs, called nits, that look smaller than a pinhead. The eggs take about 10 days to hatch and produce minute white or brown-colored lice that start feeding on blood, and grow and produce more lice. It is this sucking of blood that causes the itching associated with a lice infestation.
  
  

Treatment

• Removing the lice and nits as soon as possible is the only way to prevent a complete infestation. A lice shampoo is a commonly used treatment but it is also full of chemicals which could be harmful to your health. Many people report success from using tea tree oil or olive oil, though it is not a tried and tested method.
  
  

Best Cure

• A lice comb is the best way to get rid of head lice and the white eggs. However, it must be used regularly to be effective. Concentrate on areas behind the ears and at the bottom of the head since those are favorite spots. Separate the hair into thin sections and work one section at a time, patiently combing out all the eggs and the lice that come along with it. Make sure to use a white cloth spread over the shoulders so that the eggs or lice do not fall on your body or clothes.
  
  

Hygiene

• Having lice does not mean that you or your child are dirty. Perfectly clean and hygienic people also get lice in their hair and with patience and persistence, you can get rid of lice and white eggs permanently.